Looking for ways to enjoy the powder without breaking the bank? Our Free Lodging program is our most popular offer: stay slopeside for FREE when you purchase one adult full-day, full-price lift ticket for $45. Check out our mid-week specials like 2 for 1 Tuesdays, Car Load Wednesdays and Local Appreciation Thursdays. These were designed to help you save cash and spend more days on the slopes.

Kids Ski FREE Week is just around the corner (Jan. 16-20), and as a mom of two daughters, I’ve learned a lot over the last several winters. Skiing and riding together as a family is one of the greatest and most rewarding experiences a powder-loving parent can have, especially if you plan ahead. Here are some important lessons I’ve learned along the way:Bring snacks. If your kiddo is anything like mine, they need regular calorie intakes - especially when they are active. Whether they’re shivering, sweating, cruising through the bump runs (my 7-year-old’s personal favorite) or waiting for their mom to catch up (!), they’re burning calories - and quickly. I load their jackets (and my own) with snacks packed with protein, like nuts and granola bars. The Brave Ski Mom blog has some more great snack ideas. Sipapu’s Riverside Cafe offers a great menu selection including my girls’ preferred drink of choice: hot chocolate, extra whipped cream.Dress in layers. I always check Sipapu’s weather station before heading out, and I typically toss in an extra layer in the trunk because temperatures and conditions can - and often do - vary. Here’s a a great layering tutorial, and keep in mind that your kiddos really don’t need the most expensive gear out there. Base layers are the most important - you can find them at Target or Walmart, just avoid 100% cotton! We’ve found many of our other layers at thrift stores or others have given them to us as hand-me-downs. Dressing correctly is important, but it really doesn’t have to be expensive.Also, quick tip: if you’re less than an hour from the ski area, I suggest putting your kids’ ski boots on BEFORE you get to the resort, if they’ll tolerate it. It’s a universal truth that kids’ ski boots that take 2 minutes to get on at your hotel or home will take 20 frustrating minutes when you’re in the ski area parking lot. Be sure to have some really comfortable shoes in the car to wear after the ski day is over, too.

You Never Stop Learning. Both of my daughters were skiing by the time they hit kindergarten, and we still have them take lessons. I want my girls to be lifelong skiers (or snowboarders!), and I trust our professional ski school instructors to teach them foundational skills that will improve their abilities and create good habits that they can use and enjoy the rest of their lives. Besides, as any loving, devoted parent can tell you, your kids often learn best when they’re receiving direction from someone other than you. :) Check out Sipapu’s Ski School here and don’t forget: if you or anyone else in your family has never tried skiing, Sipapu offers FREE lessons for first timers (ages 7 and older). For more information on this special, click here.

Above all else, have fun. Some of my very best childhood memories are of me skiing, laughing, and having fun with my brother and dad. I love that I get to create those same memories with my daughters, and that one day, they might do the same with their kids, too. If you have a question, feel free to comment below or call one of our staff at 800-587-2240. P.s. If you’re trying to decide when to bring your family to Sipapu, I highly suggest coming up when our snow castle is open! Sipapu always builds it for February Fun Fest and we’ll keep it up until early March. It’s always a kid favorite - and perfect photo op (don’t forget to tag us!).

Mountain update: Our snowmaking efforts have paid off! We just opened Don Diego, Smart Chicken and Lift 4! This means that all lifts are now open at Sipapu! To check our current mountain conditions,visit our Snow Report. Stay social by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter—we love to hear from you and see your photos! Speaking of photos, here are a few we snapped this morning:

We have to thank Mother Nature—she really helped us out! Photo: Albert Graves.

The Dec.16 fire that broke at Sipapu and ultimately destroyed eight lodging units is still under investigation by local authorities. This lodge housed a lot of history—it was where the original Bolander kids grew up. Though we are very sad to see the lodge destroyed, we are incredibly grateful to the Peñasco, Dixon, Ojo Sarco, Mora and Taos fire departments and personnel who responded to the incident so professionally. We are lucky to be part of such a caring community!

While the lift lines are still short at Sipapu, this is our busiest time of year, so please allow a few extra minutes getting on the lift. Also, if you are renting gear, please consider renting in Taos, Santa Fe or Albuquerque so you can maximize your time on the slopes!